WYAlgae, a University of Wyoming spinout business, is one of five early-stage companies from across the state that have been selected for fall 2026 gBETA Wyoming, which is operated by global venture capital firm and startup accelerator gener8tor in partnership with Microsoft.

The free program is designed to help founders meet mentors, gain traction and pursue investment opportunities.

"It's been a whirlwind six weeks, from deciding that our technology is commercially viable and starting a startup. I first talked to Baylie (Evans) Sept. 15 about the commercial potential of my idea and technology," says Alan Stenquist, founder of WYAlgae, which is based in Laramie. "Being selected for gBETA will help me -- a scientist with little business knowledge -- ensure startup success. Already, gBETA has been introducing me to business mentors that are helping refine my idea, marketing and helping me understand financing."

WYAlgae's living soil amendment retains water and improves soil health. Greenhouses and plant nurseries use WYAlgae's products to improve seedling germination and protect fragile seedlings from drying out. Future markets include direct-to-consumer sales for home and garden use and large-scale farming operations. WYAlgae's research at UW has validated product performance from small- to large-scale trials that demonstrate the product's efficacy in real-world applications.

Stenquist is currently an independent research fellow at UW and will serve as an adjunct professor in the spring in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Stenquist, from Salt Lake City, Utah, graduated from UW in 2024 with a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular life sciences. Until August of this year, he was a postdoctoral researcher at UW.

From artificial intelligence and advanced computer chip manufacturing to algae and natural gas, Wyoming entrepreneurs are finding new ways to solve problems, build businesses and create economic opportunity.

Drawn from dozens of applicants statewide, the fall 2026 cohort features startups that represent four Wyoming communities and a range of industries. In addition to WYAlgae, the other companies are:

-- Plentitude, based in Cheyenne, has developed an operating system for restoration contractors, starting with claims intelligence and recovery. The company was founded by Dalton Gregory and Jacob Warthen.

-- Meerkat, headquartered in Parkman, has created software that adds the relationship intelligence layer artificial intelligence assistants need to make meaningful connections, turning professional networks into warm introductions. The company founders are Ralph Schonenbach and Mary Shea.

-- Velar Scientific, located in Cheyenne, has developed a simulation tool that predicts the behavior of electronic, optical and quantum devices before they are manufactured. Michael Rudolph is the company founder.

-- WYODYNAMICS, headquartered in Cody, created AI-powered systems that use otherwise wasted natural gas to grow microalgae and produce natural astaxanthin, a valuable antioxidant. Stephen and Laurel Elias co-founded the business.

gBETA Wyoming is a non-equity, seven-week accelerator where founders receive intensive concierge coaching and access to gener8tor's national network of industry experts, corporate partners and investors. Throughout the program, they work directly with the gener8tor team to refine their business models, engage potential customers and build lasting connections to scale.

The Cheyenne-Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board and The Business Studio@LCCC also provide local support for the accelerator.

"People are sometimes surprised by the kinds of companies being built in Wyoming," says Baylie Evans, managing director of gBETA Wyoming at gener8tor. "We have founders developing technology for semiconductor manufacturing; finding new uses for our natural resources; and creating software that can serve customers anywhere in the world. These are more than interesting ideas; these are growing businesses with the potential to bring new investment, jobs and industries to our state. That's what makes this work so exciting."

Since launching in 2020, gBETA Wyoming has supported 60 startups from 15 Wyoming communities. Program alumni have created more than 220 jobs and raised nearly $47 million in follow-on funding.

"Wyoming entrepreneurs are proving that innovative ideas and ambitious businesses can come from anywhere," says Mike Egan, general manager for Public Affairs America's Community at Microsoft. "From advanced technology to new uses for Wyoming's natural resources, this year's gBETA companies reflect the incredible talent and creativity across the state. Microsoft is proud to support these founders as they build businesses, create opportunities and contribute to Wyoming's growing economy."

The program will conclude with a public Startup Showcase Jan. 27 at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, where the founders will pitch their businesses to investors, mentors and community members. To RSVP, go here.

Anyone interested in mentoring, investing in or connecting with the cohort companies is encouraged to contact Evans at [email protected]. Entrepreneurs interested in future gBETA Wyoming programs can learn more at gener8tor.com/gbeta/wyoming.

About gener8tor

The venture capital firm and startup accelerator gener8tor fosters innovation ecosystems through its accelerator programs, venture capital fund and skills-based workforce initiatives. With a strong track record of supporting high-growth companies, gener8tor has built a presence across the U.S. and globally, establishing partnerships with corporations, universities and economic development organizations to drive entrepreneurship and economic impact. The venture capital firm and startup accelerator currently operates accelerators in 27 U.S. states and has expanded internationally to five other countries, working with more than 300 startups per year. To date, gener8tor has worked with more than 2,300 startups that have cumulatively raised more than $4 billion in financing and employ more than 12,000 people.

About gBETA

gBETA is a non-equity accelerator that facilitates the growth of early-stage companies through a network-driven program. This accelerator supports five startups per cohort and requires no fees for startups and takes no equity. Since launching in 2015, gBETA accelerator alumni have raised $1.17 billion-plus in capital and created 7,100-plus jobs across the U.S. and internationally.